
The readings in the book of Proverbs will conclude this week, and they will set up further reflections on handling life with wisdom in our next book, the book of Ecclesiastes. For now, readers should know that the author of Ecclesiastes introduces a character called ‘the teacher’ who reflects on life through the majority of the book. The author then comes back at the end of Ecclesiastes to summarize and reflect on what ‘the teacher’ has said. Back to the book of Proverbs, it has been an exercise in thinking about Godly wisdom. The end of Proverbs 31 focuses on feminine wisdom. It holds up a model of what women aspire to, and what men look for in a spouse. The section in verses 10-31 is actually an acrostic poem. This means that every line starts with a letter of the alphabet and goes from “A-Z.” This was an intentional poetic dive into feminine wisdom that God intended for our instruction and reflection. That is the Big Picture.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Reading Plan - Week 5
Daily Prayer Plan – Week 5
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2025 to see how Love Shows Up from the Old Testament and into the New Testament. How do we understand so many stories and lessons through the entire Bible while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Proverbs or Ecclesiastes, what is impacting you the most? How has praying daily through the Psalms impacted you? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Proverbs 30:20. How is the adulterer’s meal symbolic of her life and conscience? Read 1 Timothy 1:18-20. What is the danger of a bad conscience?
Read Proverbs 31:21, 25. Read Colossians 3:23 and 1 Peter 1:3-5. What is a woman’s confidence in difficult times ultimately built upon?
Read Proverbs 31:30. What is the model of a Godly wife built upon? Read Genesis 3:16 and Proverbs 25:24. How do the effects of sin work against women in their relationships?
Read Ephesians 5:31-33. What are women commanded to do in marriage versus men? What does marriage point to? Read Ephesians 5:21. How are all Christians to live in response to Jesus’ example?
Read Galatians 3:27-29. If only sons were heirs to the family’s wealth in that culture, how is God’s family different? How might this have been encouraging to women and others throughout history who were viewed as less valuable by their culture?
SHARE IT.
Read Proverbs 31:10-31. What words would you use to describe this woman? Which verses are encouraging? Are any of the verses discouraging?
How can wives and mothers guard against being crushed by the ideal woman?
If you are a female, where do you see the grace of God forming you into the character of this excellent woman?
If you are a man, how can you honor the women (mother, wife, sister, daughter) in your life as they strive to be faithful to the role God has called them?
How does the gospel of Jesus Christ empower us to live faithfully in the roles God has called us?
FINAL THOUGHT
It could feel overwhelming to ladies to read Proverbs 31:10-31. If most men were honest, this lady would be intimidating! However, if the lesson the reader takes away is to try harder, then the point has been missed. Verses 10 through 29 are built on verse 31. This woman fears the Lord above all else. If she were to value any one of the qualities more than fearing the Lord, then she would be crushed in her trying. A wise woman (or man for that matter) is free from centering their life on wealth, beauty, the praise of others, having a picture-perfect family, her reputation, or (insert any other good thing). The center of the wise person’s life is Jesus Christ. Notice that the wife clothes her family at the cost of her labor, which is an honorable and praiseworthy accomplishment. Her family does not have to fear the future in large part because of her provision of fine clothing. This points us to a future hope in Christ’s provision. It was Christ who clothes His Bride in perfect linen at the cost of His own blood. He was stripped naked and then buried wrapped in linen cloth, but rose again. His bride, the church, who is unable to clothe herself, can “laugh at the (or any challenging) time to come” (Proverbs 31:25) clothed in fine linen provided through Christ and guarded by God till the end. (Revelation 19:8, 1 Peter 1:3-5) The more the Bride of Christ, Christians, look at the cost of the cross and beauty of Jesus Christ the more it will move our hearts to strive to be a wife of noble character.
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